India have dealt rivals Pakistan a third blow at the Asia Cup 2025 after successfully chasing 146 and registering a five-wicket win in the final of the tournament on Sunday in Dubai to win the Asia Cup title. With this win, India not only retained their Asia Cup crown but also handed Pakistan their third defeat in the tournament.
Put into bat, Pakistan got off to a flying start thanks to openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. The duo attacked the Indian pace attack from the outset, slamming 57 and 46 runs, respectively. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once the openers were dismissed. India’s spinners and pace duo seized control, triggering a middle-order collapse. Pakistan lost wickets in clusters, unable to withstand the pressure from a disciplined Indian bowling unit.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, scalping 4 wickets and controlling Pakistan’s batters with his incredible spell. He was supported by Varun Chakaravarthy (2 wickets), Axar Patel (2), and Jasprit Bumrah (2), as Pakistan were bowled out for just 146 in 19.1 overs.
Meanwhile, India chasing a modest target of 147, had a shaky start. The top order wobbled under early pressure as Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav fell in quick succession, leaving India in huge trouble.
But the calm knock from Tilak Varma turned the tide in India’s favour. Batting with determination, Varma belted one of the great knocks in the tournament to lead India to a remarkable victory and ruin Pakistan's chances. He anchored the innings and absorbed the pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers, finishing unbeaten on 69. Shivam Dube added crucial support from the other end, contributing a valuable 33. India went past the total in 19.4 overs, bringing up 150/5.